Controlling repairs with my property manager

[John T.]

Hey guys, My properties are a 3 hour drive from my residence. I don't visit as often as I would like. I have what I think is a good relationship with my property manager, his fee is 7% of monies collected including security deposits. My problem is every so often I get slammed with repairs. My properties are older and the repairs are probably justified but how do I control the flow? Should I request work orders signed by tenants? How do you guys handle this issue?